The vice-president of Angola’s ruling MPLA party today announced there will be no adjustments to the party’s statutes or programme at the 9th ordinary congress, scheduled for December 9-10 in Luanda.
Mara Quiosa presented the formal convocation of the congress of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), saying the Central Committee decided against any statutory revisions. The last adjustment to the party statutes was made at the 8th extraordinary congress in 2024, with the key change being to article 12 on the designation of presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Under the previous wording, the party president was automatically the presidential candidate; the amended text established that the MPLA’s presidential candidate or list leader will instead be indicated or elected by the Central Committee on a proposal from the Political Bureau.
Current president and MPLA leader João Lourenço cannot stand for a new term in the 2027 elections under constitutional limits.
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The Central Committee also decided to reduce its next composition to 593 members — a 14.5% reduction from the current size — without affecting intermediate party organs, while maintaining the principles of 55% continuity and 45% renewal. Female representation in collegiate intermediate and national party organs is set at 50%.
The 9th ordinary congress, to be held under the motto “MPLA — Commitment to the People, Trust in the Future,” will be attended by 3,000 delegates from across Angola and the diaspora.
Its agenda includes assessing the Central Committee’s work over 2021-2026, renewing party leadership organs and electing both the new MPLA president and the new Central Committee. A 4th National Methodological Meeting on Party Work will be held in the second week of April to prepare party structures for the congress process.
